Monday, February 25, 2008

So I just got tagged by my little sister Cortney...so I am supposed to list 6 things that I like...something people may not know about me. Honestly, I don't know why I am thinking so hard about it. It shouldn't be hard. So without further a-do, here we go.

1. I have an obsession with purses. I love to find a great new purse. My husband thinks I am crazy, he finds me looking on ebay at purses. I love to go to DI or thrift stores to see what I can find. I LOVE THEM! I don't spend alot of money on each bag. It is almost like a game, to see what I can get for a little bit of money.

2. I absolutely love the sound of silence. Yes, there is such thing as an awkward silence that is for sure, but sometimes silence is just what I need. I love the change from utter craziness to silence. It is almost like my mind is instantly cleared and I am a new person.

3. I love to watch and listen to my children play. Most of the time this takes place when they don't know that I am in the room. My favorite times are when Caleb, Zach & Liberty are all playing together. It usually includes a rope of some sort, the stairs, pillows and blankets. From what I can tell it is an on-going imaginative play that seems to pick up where they left off. I love it!

4. I love the classified ads. It is interesting and entertaining sometimes to see what if up for sale or even better free. KSL is my favorite, Craigslist would be my second. I can waste hours looking at what people are trying to sell. I know it is crazy because I have only actually purchased one thing from the classifieds.

5. I secretly buy holiday candy after the holiday and hide it in my office. I tend to do this after every major hoiliday. Currently in my office I have Halloween, Christmas & Valentines day candy hidden. Every once in a while I will pull some out and actually share it with the family. Other times I just pull some out when I need a pick-me-up, or just in the mood for something sweet. I think I justify doing this because it is 75% off when I purchase it. You know you can't buy a regular snickers bar for less than 75 cents anymore so logic says buy the big bag of snack sized snickers for 69 cents, think of how much more you get! Who cares if it has a different wrapper. I'm "still satisfied"!!!

6. I love to organize my things. The common misconception is that my house and my life is organized. Not true. I love a day when I have time to organize my office, this means cleaning out drawers and clearing off shelves. Basically, I am putting everything back into its place. I have a horrible habit of getting things out and just setting them down fooling myself that I will get to it soon. On any given day a person would find the following things laying on my desk, (and they have probably been there for at least a week)

a pile of reciepts - which came from the quick clean out of my purse

1 to 2 pairs of scissors - that do have a proper home in my office but sometimes it is just too hard to get them back in thier place!

candy wrappers - see #5

piles of clean and folded laundry - just ran out of time to put them away

school lesson plans & project that I am currently working on

young womens ideas, notebook and phone list

pens and pencils - oddly enough whenever I need to find one in a hurry I can't seem to find them

at least one pair of earrings

hair bows & hair elastics & a comb or two from doing Liberty's hair on the go

And much much more...everyday is different. But on the day that I get the chance to organize my office...I feel great! Although I just wish I could get it to stay nice and clean & organized for a bit longer between cleanings.

There are my six things. I know that they aren't very exciting. But hey, I never claimed to live an exciting life! Kind of fun!

Sunday, February 24, 2008

Today we had a great day at church. Liberty was asked to sing with 5 other girls in Sacrament today. They had 2 practices this week to prepare for their number. They were all so cute. When she was asked we quickly called Grammy & Papa and Grandma & Grandpa to invite them to come listen. The girls practiced the song all week. Today their work paid off. When it was "finally" their turn to sing (Liberty was getting pretty antsy) they all walked up to the mircrophone with smiling faces and really not looking nervous or anything. They took their places and sang so beautifully. THere is something about hearing 6 little four, five and six year olds sing, so sweet. They sang "I Love To See The Temple". They did a great job. Liberty was so cute up there...not that I am bias. Grammy & Papa and Grandma were able to come and listen. We all enjoyed it. I hope this is something that she will continue to want to do. I remember singing alot as a girl and I want that for Liberty. She has a great voice, and looks so cute doing it. Here she is right before church this morning. Good Job Liberty! Keep up the good work! We love you!

Friday, February 22, 2008

Okay, so Craig took the boys to the cabin today after school. On his way home he stopped at Kids Village to switch cars with me. It was so funny I was in the kitchen teaching my class, my back was to them, when I turned around I started telling them what we were going to be doing, and my eye caught a cute little girl named Chloe. She had a very strange look on her face and her eyes were about double their normal size. The kids were all standing on the benches along the island and without me knowing Craig has slipped into the kitchen and knelt down on the benches right next to Chloe. I started laughing when I saw him. He had totally scared Chloe and he apologized to her...when I told her who he was she was fine. But he was really cute with the class...they loved him.

When he switched cars he took my purse with him. I called him to make sure he hadn't taken my purse to the cabin...he hadn't. Great everything was going to be fine. I headed home with Liberty and all was great we were going to have a great night just the girls. We came home to a totally locked up house! Craig had left my purse inside the house and my house keys & cell phone were in it! That's right we were LOCKED OUT! I tried every window, no such luck. Both Liberty and I were bummed. We headed over to Grandma & Grandpa Veenker's and their house was locked up also, however I know where the hidden key is, at least we were able to call Craig. We actually had caught him before he had gotten to far. We went and met him and got his house key and we were able to get into our house and not have to crash somewhere else for the night. Our girls night plans weren't ruined! Not that we had any grandious plans! YOu know Sonic run and Hollywood Video for a princess movie!

One more thing...(I know that this is a long post) Yesterday Zach came home from school higher than a kite! He has had a student teacher the past couple of months Miss Steiner. She won her classes heart (at least Zach and his cousin Stockton) by informing them early on that she was friends with members of the BYU football team. She was cool! Well today was her last day and she invited a couple members of the BYU team to class with her. Zach couldn't believe it! He was so excited. I told him he needed to get their autographs...his reply was "I already thought of that Mom". In my "mom mind" I was thinking an autograph on paper...not in Zach's mind. He dug up some old glow in the dark football this morning without me knowing and took it to school.

When I finally got into my house this afternoon, sitting on the kitchen table was this dirty old football with 2 autographs on it! Not what I was thinking, but Zach still is on cloud nine! Great, I don't have the heart to tell him that he can't use the football anymore or the autographs will rub off. I guess I will cross that bridge when I get there.

Check this out! I personally like the large Veenker autograph on the top. Lovely!

That is Harvey Unga & Joe Seminoff autograph...Zach is so cool! I love him!

Okay so while I was "blog stocking" I found this fun test...what is my true color. On all the other blogs I found this on it looked much cuter but I couldn't figure out how to do that. So I just cut and pasted it. Kind of fun! If you want to do the test and find out what your true color it go to http://web.tickle.com/color/. Have fun!

Cricket, your true color is Yellow!

You're yellow, the color of joy and energy — two things you definitely bring to everyone around you. It's hard for anyone to be sad or lonely in your presence; your sunny disposition and cheery outlook just won't allow it. The warmth of your personality shines through in the kindness you show friends and family (and strangers, too). Always ready with a lighthearted joke or heartfelt compliment, you know how to make people feel good about themselves, so they can't get enough of you. Yellow is a warm and inviting color for a warm and inviting person — you!

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Today I had to get back into reality...I have had 6 days off and it was hard to get up this morning to say the least. During these 6 days I haven't done alot...but then I have done a ton. It was so nice to have the time off, I had a lot of fun. When the alarm went off this morning I groaned! But back to reality!

I have to tell you what Caleb did today...pretty classic Caleb. I had a Young Womens Presidency meeting after school, all the kids were with me playing, Caleb decided to go home before the meeting was over, not a big deal. About 30 minutes went by and he came back. Knocked on the door and opened it and said,

"Mom, Dad called and said he has something for you.

He wants you to come home."

What can I say, I got excited...gathered up my children and told everyone I had to leave (the meeting was just getting over) got in the car and came home. I walked into the house giddy, what did he have for me??? I walked into Craig's office he was just sitting at the computer acting completely normal. When I asked him what he had for me, he looked at me like I was crazy. Caleb just started cracking up behind me. He then told me that he just told me that cause he was hungry and needed me to come home to get dinner ready. That boy!!! All I could do was laugh. Sometimes I wonder where he comes up with these things.

Friday, February 15, 2008

For Valentine's Day this year I decided to make it a family day!!! The hype of going out to eat on Valentine's day is so overrated!!! Plus way expensive! It just so happened that I didn't have to work and so I had the day to make all the preparations for our fun Family Party!!! Liberty was a big helper...she was really into it. Too bad she still isn't feeling very good but she still wanted to be a part of the prep. We ordered our Heart Shaped Pizza's from Papa Murphy's early in the day cause we just knew how crazy crowded it would be. We purchased decorations and napkins and Raspberry Soda cause it was pink! Valentine's M&M's, mint brownines frosted in pink frosting and salad. We made rice crispie treats and dipped them in chocolate and used some fun Valentine's sprinkles to make them festive. We got a call from Kids Village saying there was a special delivery there for me ... went and picked it up and it was beautiful roses and a box of chocolates from Craig. The perfect center piece! All the boys got home and we baked the pizza and while it was baking Liberty fell asleep. I felt so bad but knew that I would have to wake her up or she would be sad after being such a big part of this! We had a great time eating and watching The Game Plan! The best part about it was everyone was enjoying being together! I think we have made a new tradition. Liberty is already starting the plans for our St. Patty's Day Party! "Everything will be GREEN, Mom!" Maybe I have created a monster!!! But I love that she wants to do it! It will be great!

These are my lovely roses and chocolates Craig sent me!

On a side note I must say that my hubby is so awesome to always remember me on Valentine's day! He was so on top of things this year he ordered flowers early in the month. We were sitting the in Temple Cafeteria last Saturday night and I could see the dissapointment when I told him that I wasn't going to be at school on Valentine's day....his surprise was squashed! I felt bad but it was really exciting to go pick them up. I love him, he will forever be my Valentine!

Here's the gang! Poor Liberty...I wish she was feeling better. We had a great time!

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

one last photo of the kids and Scott at the MTC. He is such a great example for these kids!

I told you Liberty was sick...lovely photo.

look at these handsome boys!

The past couple of days have been ones of excitement and sadness...Scott Veenker is now Elder Veenker! He entered the MTC today and all I could think about was how little he was when I first met Craig. He was Liberty's age! Watching him prepare and grow up over the last few years especially have been amazing. He is a great young man and I know that he will do great in Argentina. I was worried how my children were going to react to this whole experience, I must say that to no one's surprise they held up better than I did. Last night when the family met together for him to be set apart, I lost it when we started to sing Called to Serve! I was a mess, Caleb got choked up but he didn't cry. Liberty was so sick, she wasn't sure what was going on and Zach, he was still. We had a great night last night and before the MTC we met for lunch at the Pizza Factory. First thing that was done was Scott giving each and every one of his nieces and nephews a personal note. I couldn't read them right then for fear I would cry...the kids loved them. They were very heart felt and great letters for each of them. The MTC was difficult, we were told to use the "band aid" method. The slower you take it off the harder and longer it hurts, just rip it off and get it over with. Scott didn't skip a beat, although he did have 25 people there to say goodbye to...many tears and Scott shed his own and then with out looking back out the Missionary Exit he went. It wasn't until after that Zach broke down. Caleb was my strong one, he was teary eyed but not one tear was actually shed. Liberty kept saying "Scott gets to live here for 2 years". So there again, not too sure she fully understands. The walk to the car was quiet even though I had 3 extra children with me. Caleb, Zach, Liberty, Hayden, Stockton, & Christopher were in the car and it was quiet, as we turned and were driving past the MTC quietly all the boys started to sing...it caught me off guard until I heard what they were singing:

nah...nah...nah...nah

nah...nah...nah...nah

hey, hey, hey good-bye!

all I could do was laugh. I thought it was hilarious, and I am sure Scott would have gotten a great laugh out of it. 5 boys ages 12-7 and LIberty joined in singing quiet at first getting louder and louder. It was a moment I will never forget. Scott is going to be an amazing missionary! Love you Elder Veenker!

Sunday, February 10, 2008

Well this weekend I had the funnest time spending time with my fun sisters and mom & dad. We decided that we needed a sisters day. A couple of us stayed the night on Friday, and talked about everything under the sun until 2:30 am. Then woke up and spent the day with all of the girls...Mom, Coni, Cari, Sarah, Me, & Cortney. Mom made all kinds of yummy food and we ate and talked and laughed all day. Mom found a really cool book and gave it to all of us with a great new charm bracelet with a heart charm on it. I can't wait to read the book and just enjoy it. I love to spend time with my family. We laughed so hard and just had a great time. When Dad got home later in the afternoon he mentioned that this was something we needed to continue to do. AMEN! I figured out, it doesn't matter what we are doing if anything at all, it is just fun to be with them. I love them all ... and my brother who felt left out, he said it was like we were having a family party and he wasn't invited. We all love you Craig and you are always welcome to come hang with us. I have the best family who are also some of my closest friends. Thanks ladies for all the fun times. ** don't let me forget that next time we get together we need to take some photos.!**

Saturday, February 2, 2008

all day yesterday i had a strong desire to go to President Hinckley's veiwing. i had heard that it was a very memorable experience and something that i should take the time to go to. i got home from school and the feeling never quit. craig came home from work and we talked about going. the children were somewhat hesitant and i respected that. craig said he would stay home and be with the kids but i still didn't want to go alone. i called my cutest friend danalee, and even though she had already gone on thursday, she didn't skip a beat and said she would come with me. by the time we got on our way it was 5:30ish. we knew the viewing was to end at 7:00pm, but that didn't stop us. we headed up and got a great parking place and hurried upstairs to get in the massive line. we got in line at 6:00pm....shortly after we found our place in line we began talking to those around us, which we fondly called "line mates". we talked to many around us, at first just to keep us from thinking about how freezing it was but we enjoyed talking about everything from the weather, our wonderful prophet, occupations, medicine, trying to predict the next move of the line, and hearing the conversion story of one man behind us. we even sang hymns to keep our minds off the cold. many times in line we were told that we should plan on being in line for 5 hours. we at first thought it has to go faster then that, however, that was almost exact. we stood outside, in a line that wrapped around and around the conference center with absolutely no rhyme or reason, for 2.5 hours. it was freezing cold. there was an amazing feelinig when we got to finally enter the building, not only the warmth that we so needed but also a reverence that was unable to describe. we filed into the conference center and were seated for almost 2 hours i would say, i wasn't watching the time. when it was our turn to file through the line and up the escalators, there were hymns playing and talking was a whisper. we rounded a corner and were welcomed by the portraits of the 12 and then the first presidency, i knew we were close, but was actually caught off gaurd that President Hinckley was right in front of me. as we entered the actual "hall of prophets" the scent of the all the gorgeous flowers hit you and everything was silent. i was in awe, we couldn't stop only pause to see him but danalee had told me to look at his hands, while in line. i looked at his sweet face and then to his hands. they just looked like he was ready to work. they were different than i had ever seen. as we filed out of the hall and wound back through the conference center to see many more portraits and flower arrangements that were so beautiful things were still so calm. after waiting in that long line and being so cold and when i finally got to see him it didn't matter how much time we had spent there. it is something i would not have changed, the whole experience was amazing to see so many there to honor him. that alone said so much. it is something i will never forget. it was the perfect closure for me, like for so many others.

i am thinking that this post is choppy and may not make much sense and for that i am sorry. my thoughts are many but i have to say the feelings i had last night were special, President Hinckley is a wonderful teacher and i thank him for that.

The Lucky Parents

Just a couple of average parents with 4 of the most amazing children ever! We are still trying to figure out everything about parenting but hey it's been a great ride so far and it is only getting better!